I am not ready for marriage – Ebeye

Nigerian actress, Amanda Ebeye, is also a part-time model and a graduate of Benson Idahosa University, Benin. The actress, who made her debut in the movie, Weeping Tiger, in 2008, won the classic media merit award for most talented actress in 2015, among others.

Could you give us an insight into your background?
I’m Amanda Ebeye by name, an actress and the first child from a family of six but, one is a half sister older than I. My mother is a fashion designer and cosmetology; I finished from Benson Idahosa University, Nigeria.

What was the challenge being the first child?
It’s nice but with whole lots of responsibilities. It’s actually challenging because, I have younger ones behind looking up to me and want to copy what I do; I try to be careful with what I do.

When did you decided to go into acting professionally?
I have always wanted to be an actress but was convinced in the second year while at the University but my Mum said No because, she was scared I will be distracted if I should start at that time. I remember, lot of time that, I will tell my mum I wanted to act but she will decline saying “No Amanda, don’t worry, I know Osofia’s house, when you finish your school I will take you down there”.

She just wanted me to concentrate on my studies though, I bought her lies but, it actually helped me stay focused. So, I started acting after I finished school at the age of Twenty two years old. I did stage drama in school, started with Soap Opera professionally. Later i went on to act in movies. My first movie was titled “Weeping Tiger” acted alongside Jim Iyke. I played the role of a “Studio Girl”. So far, I have been acting professionally in the last Eight years.

So what has been your experience thus far?
It’s been nice and has helped me grow because I always believed life was easy and smooth but, it has helped me realize life is not easy; there are times you are going to be disappointed, rejected, accepted, sad, happy. So, being in Nollywood has helped me a lot. I realized I have to work hard. I have faced different phase of life. So, Nollywood has taught me a lot because when I came in, I was so soft and I didn’t know much about the business aspect except the acting. Therefore, I had to work hard.

How can you rate the Nollywood industry now?
It’s been growing. We keep growing every year. When I started and now; the picture quality, sound, effect, cameras, the scripts, the creativity to acting has really changed. A lot of people are coming up with so many styles and concepts; the production management and other new stuffs are improving non-stop. It shows Nollywood is growing.

There is a common trend; all nollywood actors and actresses wants to become a producer. What’s you take on this?
Every actor has the ability to give something extra. I want to become a producer some day too. Looking at Uche Jombo, Stephanie Okereke, I respect them so much; they are fantastic producers and actors. I also, want to become an employer. When you produce, you give opportunity to other younger actors and actresses to grow. So, it’s a welcome idea for any actor to crave for becoming a producer.

You talk about Nollywood with passion, yet it seems some people are opting out. What’s your drive?
If you are in Nollywood because of the money please go get another job. Most people are here for the passion and love of the act. The money will come but, it’s gradual, it’s coming! Genevieve Nnaji is a living by reality!!! Until you get to your peak, you’re never satisfied. Mercy Johnson can say she is rich because she has gotten to that peak where they pay her for her face. We are still growing, we are getting there; we are not there yet. So, I will advise anyone coming into Nollywood, they should come because of the passion for the act and not tbe money.

Who is your favorite Ghanaian actor?
I’m sorry it’s Majid Michel, I know he is every girl’s actor; I just love his acting and professionalism.

Why, is he your kind of guy?
Nah, he is not my kind of guy, yes, be is not! I mean Majid is not my kind of guy. I love tall guys, Majid is very short! I love God fearing guys, someone very intelligent. I love the six Pacs things; I used to love Bryan Okwara, and John Dumelo is also my kind of guy.

So, why are you still single?
Well, maybe I’m not ready. I have not found that person for me; you know that chemistry thing (Laugh).

Is any of your siblings choosing to tow your line of profession?
No, my younger sister is into fashion and she is going to be a popular designer. I wear some of her designs.
What’s your fashion style?
I just love anything that looks good on me.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
Well, on top of my game and everybody in the house will sit down and say I love her acting. I want people to learn and communicate with me; I want to be a teacher not just an actress.

Advice for upcoming actress?
Believe in God; the Industry is large and can absorb everybody. Don’t say this person is destined to be a Star. No, everybody has what it takes to be a star. Come into the industry not because you want to be a star but, come with the passion and the passion will make you work and the work will make people notice and that, notice is called “Divine” and that, Divinity is called Grace and the grace will make you a star.